SIG SAUER Introduces the New ASP20 Break Barrel Air Rifle

By

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January 11, 2018

Newington, NH (January 9, 2018) – SIG SAUER is pleased to introduce its new high-performance, ASP20 break barrel air rifle. Available in .177 and .22 calibers, this suppressed single-shot, Advanced Sport Pellet (ASP) air rifle delivers down-range power and accuracy with the lightest cocking effort in its class, making it ideal for hunting small game.

This SIG break barrel air rifle also features the airgun industry’s most advanced trigger system – the smooth, crisp and adjustable ASP MatchLite® trigger. SIG SAUER engineers designed this completely new, two-stage adjustable match-grade trigger system to perform better than traditional airgun triggers on the market today. The ASP MatchLite trigger is ultra-smooth in its operation and can be adjusted to break at one of eight different pull rates – from 2.5 to 4 pounds – allowing users to select the break that’s most comfortable for them. The trigger breaks at 4mm, regardless of the pull rate selected.

SIG SAUER’s proprietary GlideLite™ cocking mechanism in the SIG ASP20 makes it significantly easier to use than other break barrel rifles. The ASP20 cocks at 33 lbs. versus the standard 48 – 52 lb. cocking force typically found in competitive products in this power range. The action of this air rifle is larger in diameter and shorter in length than most on the market. This brings the pivot point closer to the body, not only making the air rifle much easier to leverage but also more balanced and easier to shoot accurately.

Exceptional accuracy is another hallmark of the ASP20 which is the first SIG SAUER airgun to be built in the United States. SIG’s proprietary breech-locking system precisely aligns the barrel to the action, ensuring consistent accuracy. SIG SAUER also rifles its own barrels for the new ASP20 at its New Hampshire headquarters.

“The ASP20 is unique – a true game changer in the break barrel market with its unrivaled trigger system

and cocking mechanism – and it is the first airgun built at SIG SAUER’s state-of-the-art manufacturing

facility here in New Hampshire,” said Joseph Huston, Vice President and General Manager of the SIG SAUER Airgun Division. “We have adapted many of our firearms technologies in the design and production of the ASP20. The reliability and durability is unrivaled, and it’s incredibly fun to shoot.”

The ambidextrous safety of the SIG SAUER ASP20 is located outside the trigger guard, not inside. The

safety location makes it easy to engage using either the right or left hand.

Velocity vs. Muzzle Energy

Powered by a gas piston, the .177 caliber ASP20 delivers 20 foot-pounds (ft-lbs) of energy with muzzle velocity of 1021 feet per second (fps) using a 8.64 grain lead pellet while the .22 caliber delivers 23 ft-lbs of energy and a muzzle velocity of 841 fps with a 14.65 grain lead pellet. A common misconception among many is that high muzzle velocity makes for a better air rifle. In actuality, foot-pound muzzle energy is a more accurate gauge of the power of air rifles than the speed at which a projectile comes out of the barrel. Down-range accuracy and retained energy are better with a heavier projectile leaving the barrel at subsonic speed rather than an impractically-lightweight projectile leaving the barrel at a supersonic speed of 1400+ feet per second.

The .177 caliber ASP20 air rifle is ideal for hunting small game such as squirrels, crows and rodents while the .22 caliber model is well suited for hunting slightly larger animals such as woodchucks and groundhogs. The ASP20 has a SIG SAUER rifled steel barrel and is available with either a synthetic or wood stock. The SIG SAUER Whiskey3 ASP 4-12×44 Adjustable Objective (AO) riflescope, designed to handle the extreme bi-directional recoil of air rifles, will also be available for the ASP20 in May 2018.

MSRP:

.177 Wood Stock, Suppressor $489.99

.22 Wood Stock, Suppressor $489.99

.177 Synthetic Stock, Suppressor $399.99

.22 Synthetic Stock, Suppressor $399.99

Whiskey3 ASP 4-12×44 AO riflescope $359.99

For more information on SIG SAUER airguns, visit www.sigsauerasp.com.

Follow SIG SAUER on social media, including Facebook at www.facebook.com/sigsauerinc, Instagram at www.instagram.com/sigsauerinc, and YouTube athttps://www.youtube.com/user/sigsauerinc.

About SIG SAUER, Inc.

SIG SAUER, Inc. is The Complete Systems Provider^™, leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing. SIG SAUER^® brings a dedication to superior quality, ultimate reliability, and unmatched performance that has made it the brand of choice among responsible citizens, and many of the world’s most elite military, government, and law enforcement units. SIG SAUER offers a full array of products to meet any mission parameter, from handguns and rifles to ammunition, electro-optics, suppressors, ASP(Advanced Sport Pellet) airguns and accessories. The largest member of a worldwide business group of firearms manufacturers that includes SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG in Germany and Swiss Arms AG in Switzerland, SIG SAUER is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified company with more than 1,700 employees. For more information on SIG SAUER, any of its products, or the SIG SAUER Academy^SM, log on to www.sigsauer.com.

FRAMM: A Stock for Headgear Equipped End Users

By

Keith Finch

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January 10, 2018

A versatile rifle stock that enables operatives to discharge their firearms while wearing a ballistic helmet with the visor fully lowered will be unveiled for the first time in the United States at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas (23 – 26 January).

163 year old Cardiff-based survival equipment manufacturers, BCB International Ltd, will be exhibiting on their stand (6606) the FRAMM®, an adjustable and foldable stock that allows end users to comfortably discharge their firearms in all firing positions.

BCB International’s International Sales Officer, Paul Ames, said: “The FRAMM® is good news for security professionals, airsofters and rifle enthusiasts. It is compatible with most in service firearms. Its rubberized non-slip stock pad maximizes comfort and firing stability. It also offers nine position settings to conform to any body and ballistic visor shapes. The FRAMM® is the stock for all firing positions.”

The FRAMM® is compatible with the following firearms: FN HERSTAL-SCAR, HK-MP5 A2, BERETTA-ARX 160, HK-MP5K-PDW, HK-G36, B&T-40×46, REMINGTON-ACR, CZ-805 A1 BREN, SIG SAUER-550/551.., B&T-APC556, HK-UMP.

BCB International will exhibit the FRAMM® on its stand (6606).

While several fixed stock options do exist to get around bulky head gear like visors, gas masks, and NVG’s. This is the first adjustable option I’ve seen that the end user can set to their preference to a wide degree.

We Like Shooting Double Tap – Episode 46 – Happy New Year

By

We Like Shooting

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January 10, 2018

Welcome to We Like Shooting’s Double Tap, Episode 46, Tonight we talk about gun tech, we’ll answer your questions on Dear WLS, we’ll talk about NOT GUNS, and revisit past gear, we’ll also have a new burn on Shit Talker Funky Walker

Source: https://welikeshooting.com/show/double-tap/dt046/

The KPOS Pathfinder – The Ultimate Truck Gun Option?

By

Travis Pike

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January 10, 2018

The idea of a truck gun is nothing new. It’s a gun you keep in the car or truck for situations beyond your handgun’s capability. Trunk guns should offer a substantial advantage over a handgun. The idea sounds simple enough, and it’s a concept recognized by most in the gun world. That said, keeping a gun in the vehicle presents some unique challenges

The biggest issue with a truck gun is theft. Gun thefts from vehicles are actually a common occurence. People may break into your car for the change in your cup holder and walk away with a shiny new gun. A stolen gun means an armed criminal.

You can remove your gun when you get home every night, but how long is it sitting alone in your car while you’re at work, or grocery shopping, or seeing a movie? It doesn’t take long to smash and grab a gun from a glove box, a center console, or from under a seat. Don’t believe that this is an issue? Check out these posts from the Gun Subreddit R/guns. Credit to Redditor Captain Ciph3r for making a list of these.

Stolen Glock

Stolen Glock 2

Stolen from a Car

Stolen From a Car Again

Another stolen gun from a car

Stolen Ruger

Police Officer’s Rifle Stolen

Stolen Glock 3

Stolen Glock 4

So what do you do? You bend what the words trunk gun actually mean.

Enter the KPOS Pathfinder

Just ditch the idea of leaving a gun in your car altogether. There is an option that does this and offers the benefits of a truck gun without the risk of having a gun stolen.

The KPOS Pathfinder is a non-NFA, non-firearm, piece of kit that can be kept in the car without nearly as much risk attached. The KPOS Pathfinder is best described as a shell that wraps around your handgun. Find the model of KPOS Pathfinder that works for a handgun you are willing to carry. Pair the two together and keep the KPOS Pathfinder in your vehicle and conceal carry the applicable handgun. Without a gun installed in the kit, it’s just a metal shell. If it’s stolen you’re out some cash, but you haven’t armed a criminal.

They don’t make one for every gun, but the lineup is impressive and includes most major companies. If you like mouse guns you are out of luck. If you are like Keith and I this isn’t an issue and you prefer a full-sized handgun for daily carry anyway.

How It Works

My model was provided by ZFI Inc and is for the Glock series of handguns. In addition to the Pathfinder, ZFI’s kit also includes a set of sights, a single point sling, and a nice carry bag. I’m using the Glock 17, but all medium frame compact and full-sized Glocks will fit this kit. The make or break it factor would be how fast I could install the gun into the KPOS.

With just a bit of practice it’s surprisingly fast and intuitive. You’ll need at least a few seconds to install it. It’s also impossible to install it in an unsafe way. This system secures the Glock and there is no play once installed. The KPOS locks onto the Glock’s rail and uses a back plate equipped with a spring-loaded plunger to keep the rear end in place.

The Pathfinder model has what’s essentially an AR-style buffer tube. This makes it easy to install a pistol brace. The pistol buffer tube can still fold with the brace equipped, but the gun cannot be fired with the brace in the folded position. A pistol brace can legally be shouldered, be attached to the arm, or be used as a cheek rest.

Why it Works

The benefits of this kit over a standard handgun are substantial. The KPOS G2 Pathfinder offers shooters the following:

A longer sight radius

The ability to mount an optic

Three points of contact for more stable shooting

Picatinny rails for lights/lasers/AFGs etc.

The assembly gives me a stable platform for making shots on small targets out to 50 yards. The design increases the overall control of the weapon and adds a bit of weight to it. While a 9mm Glock doesn’t have excessive recoil or muzzle rise the KPOS Pathfinder reduces both. This isn’t a big deal for close range shooting, but at the 50-yard line, it makes a world of difference.

Combine an optic, three points of contact, and very little recoil and muzzle rise, and you get a gun that can hit targets consistently at 50 yards. I’m not talking about hitting giant B 27 man-sized silhouettes. I can make my 21-inch-tall steel popper ring and sing over and over at 50 yards. The Pathfinder turns a handgun into an effective PDW.

Reliability has yet to be an issue. The KPOS and Glock work well together. There are no issues with cycling or ejection. I never ran into issues with the brass cases getting caught between the gun and the shell. The gun has no issues cycling inside the shell and clearance isn’t a problem.

The magazine release and slide lock function like a standard Glock. The only control change comes from racking the gun. You use an AR 15 style charging handle to rack the slide. It takes some significant force to rack the gun. If the charging handle had one of the larger latch mods this would become easier.

The KPOS Pathfinder kit doesn’t change the title status of the firearm. With my Glock installed it’s still just a handgun. As a result, this may affect the way you can carry the kit assembled with a gun in your state. Since I live in Florida I could legally carry the entire Pathfinder assembled and concealed if I chose to.

The kit costs about the same as a lower end dedicated PCC. Admittedly when combined with a Glock the overall price isn’t insignificant. You get what you pay for though, and comparing the cost to a dedicated truck carbine? YMMV.

The KPOS frame is one solid piece of aluminum. I can see the cost turning some to other considerations but I can equally see why the KPOS isn’t cheap. The one advantage this kit doesn’t offer over a handgun is a more powerful cartridge. If you feel the need for a rifle or shotgun caliber truck gun the KPOS isn’t for you.

The combination of a Pathfinder kit and a carry pistol is the safest and most secure means to add a trunk gun to your vehicle. It extends your gun’s effective range, makes it easier to control, and gives you a significant control advantage over just a handgun. It satisfies the requirement of a trunk gun, without taking the risk of a gun getting stolen. Even outside of a truck gun it’s a unique and fun way to modify your Glock.

Armament Systems and Procedures

By

Keith Finch

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January 9, 2018

Who?

Armament Systems and Procedures or ASP

Never heard of them?

Neither had I until about a month ago but if you’re in police equipment procurement you probably know the name. ASP has been a leading Law Enforcement supplier for decades. Flashlights, batons, handcuffs, training, and training aids have been ASP’s premier products to the LEO community.

Products useful for one market usually have crossover into more and ASP this year at SHOT Show (Booth# 11971) will be opening toward the civilian self protection and EDC markets.

ASP is debuting an expansive selection of handheld duty ready lights to meet end user requirements. The company was a complete unknown entity, but their response when I began inquiring about specifics was… well, thorough.

All the Lumens, Plus a baton and pepper spray

Instead of a vaguely descriptive sales pitch about tactical lumen dynamics or any of the other buzzwords they said “here look”. They sent me the Dot, Raven, Pro DF, Tungsten, and Turbo.

One of the greatest features I’ve seen on any handheld was immediately apparent on four of the lights, micro USB recharge. Not just an optional rechargeable battery with a ‘buy it later’ recharge pack, the lights themselves plug into a micro USB.

O-Ring sealed micro USB charge ports. Retractable USB cord, AC wall, and DC lighter adapters all included. Tungsten and Turbo

You can plug the lights into your car, laptop, phone charger, wall outlet and all the hardware is included. The Dot has an internal rechargeable battery and the Turbo, Tungsten, and Pro DF have the ASP Proprietary 18650 Li-Ion battery. All of the 18650 powered lights can use CR123A batteries as alternative power sources, the use of the disposable batteries also uptick the lumen output.

The individual capabilities of each of these lights cover a wide range from simple single mode to multi mode selective illumination options. As I dig into each of them individually I’ll detail the features in their reviews.

I have adopted the Tungsten as my EDC light and testing begins immediately.

The Raven is ASPs newest little penlight.

Two AAA battery power source and the size of an average ink pen to conveniently ride in a pocket, MOLLE, or a myriad other places a pen can be placed. The 140 lumen Raven should be shipping right around SHOT Show.

I’ll be swinging by Booth #11971 and speaking with ASP more in depth on their product line, training, and company focus moving into 2018.

In the meantime swing by ASP’s webpage. You don’t need to wait until SHOT to grab a new light, except if you want a Raven.

STREAMLIGHT® LAUNCHES POLYTAC® X FLASHLIGHT

By

Keith Finch

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January 9, 2018

EAGLEVILLE, PA, January 9, 2018 – Streamlight^® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, announced it has added a new model to its PolyTac^® line of tactical lights to include an enhanced, dual fuel version. The new light, the PolyTac^® X, features 600 lumens, and offers the versatility of a rechargeable battery option.

The light can be powered by either two 3-volt CR123 lithium batteries or one Streamlight rechargeable 18650 lithium ion battery. This multi-battery option allows for use of primary disposable batteries if the rechargeable cell is out of power.

“With its battery versatility and powerful lumen rating, the new PolyTac X is among the brightest and most adaptable polymer tactical lights on the market today,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “It is ideal for everything from conducting searches in low light to lighting up an outdoor trail to repairing equipment. Even when a charging source is not available, you can use disposable batteries, ensuring that you will never run out of power in any situation.”

The PolyTac X uses a power LED to provide three lighting modes: high, medium, low, and strobe. Regardless of battery source, the light delivers 600 lumens on high, 11,485 candela, and a 205-meter beam distance, which is enough to provide critical lighting for a range of tactical uses. When using CR123A batteries, run times range from 2.75 to 34 hours; when using the 18650 battery, they range from 3.5 to 36 hours. On the strobe setting, run times are 5.5 hours and 8 hours, respectively.

The light’s TEN-TAP^® programmable push-button switch allows users to select from three programs: high/strobe/low (factory default); high only or low/medium/high.

The PolyTac X is exceptionally durable, featuring a case made of high impact super tough nylon polymer that also provides a sure grip. It weighs 4.34 ounces and measures 5.46 inches.

The new light features an IPX7-rated design, providing waterproof operation to 1 meter for 30 minutes, and is impact-resistant tested to 3 meters. It is available in black, yellow, or coyote.

Streamlight offers an optional 18650 Battery Charger that can recharge either one or two batteries simultaneously, and permits charging through either AC/DC or USB power sources.

The PolyTac X has an MSRP of $75.00. It is packaged with two CR123 batteries and a removable pocket clip and comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime warranty.

About Streamlight

Based in Eagleville, PA, Streamlight, Inc. has more than 45 years of experience making tough, durable, long-lasting flashlights designed to serve the specialized needs of professionals and consumers alike. Since 1973, the company has designed, manufactured and marketed high-performance flashlights, and today offers a broad array of lights, lanterns, weapon light/laser sighting devices, and scene lighting solutions for professional law enforcement, military, firefighting, industrial, automotive, and outdoor applications. Streamlight is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. For additional information, please call 800-523-7488, visit streamlight.com or connect with us on facebook.com/streamlight;twitter.com/Streamlight; instagram.com/streamlightinc; and youtube.com/streamlighttv.

Federal Premium Launches All-New Syntech Action Pistol Ammunition, Partners with USPSA

By

Keith Finch

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January 9, 2018

ANOKA, Minnesota – January 8, 2018 – Federal Premium’s all-new Syntech Action Pistol ammunition helps competitive action sports shooters stay on top of their game. The clean-burning, hard-hitting and extremely accurate ammunition offers a variety of benefits that make it a perfect choice for fast-paced, high-volume competition shooting. Federal Premium will launch Syntech Action Pistol at the 2018 SHOT Show (Booth No. 14551) January 23-26 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Syntech Action Pistol utilizes all the same technology as the standard Syntech ammunition but is tailored specifically to the competitive pistol application,” said John Swenson, Federal Premium handgun ammunition design engineer. “During extended matches, the reduced fouling and cooler gun temperatures allow competitors to keep their focus on their performance and the match rather than equipment maintenance.”

The new bullets and loads are also designed to produce the least possible felt recoil while meeting power factor requirements and cycling reliably. “Reduced recoil in time-sensitive events means less muzzle rise and less time required for follow-up shots,” Swenson said. “That means more consistent hits and lower stage-completion times.”

“Syntech Action Pistol offers even better performance for competitive handgunners,” said Swenson. “It features the same TSJ but is loaded to competition power-factor requirements. Its heavy, flatter-nose bullets provide more reliable knock-downs on steel targets in competition and drastically reduce splash-back.”

Federal Premium offers Syntech Action Pistol in 9mm Luger, 40 S&W and 45 Auto. Designers configured the loads to meet the accuracy, reliability and power factor requirements of shooters who compete in the International Practice Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA).

“Until the creation of Syntech Action Pistol, reloading was the preferred way to meet these needs,” said Swenson. “With our factory-loaded ammunition, shooters have a simple, convenient and better solution.”

Federal Premium recently signed on as sponsor of the USPSA, and Syntech Action Pistol is the official sponsored ammo of the organization, with their logo on the box.

“We’re proud to be the first major ammunition manufacturer to enter this exciting arena,” said Justin Johnson, Federal Premium product line manager. “USPSA shooters demand very specific things from their ammunition. It needs to be accurate, consistent, reliable, and meet power-factor requirements. Until our launch of Syntech Action Pistol, reloading was the preferred way to achieve all of the above. With our factory-loaded ammunition, shooters have a simple, convenient and better solution.”

The Marines are Overhauling the 03’s layout: More H&K M27’s, New NVG’s, Armor, and More to Come

By

Keith Finch

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January 9, 2018

I read last night that CMC General Neller has or is green lighting a massive improvement program to the United States Marine Corps Infantry equipment.

Source here at Military.com

I’ve been following the various rifle, armor, vehicle , and equipment improvement programs since before I enlisted in 2006. I’ve wanted to see an improved rifle from the M16 and M4 be fielded for awhile.

The current rifles have served well and are still excellent systems but several modern rifle iterations, even those based on the AR15, are producing notable improvements in accuracy and reliability. The general evolution in most modern equipment has left the military with a decade wide gap on some of its systems fielded vs modern capabilities and Gen. Neller is throwing one to the Grunts.

“I could kit out every grunt in the Marine Corps with the coolest s*** head-to-toe for $100 million,” he said. “And I intend to do that.” – Gen. Neller, comparing the cost to an F35B JSF

M27s, PMAGs, Carl Gustav’s, M855A1, and much more for the infantry seems to be fast tracking down the pipeline and I am looking forward to seeing the Military close the tech gap for the Infantry.

SIG SAUER® Introduces the P365: The Ultimate Concealed Carry Pistol

By

Keith Finch

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January 8, 2018

Newington, NH (January 8, 2018) – SIG SAUER, Inc. introduces the new High-Capacity Micro-Compact P365 – the ultimate concealed carry pistol. This revolutionary striker-fired 9mm pistol offers the perfect balance of capacity and concealment with unrivaled shootability and ergonomics. The P365’s patent-pending, narrow-neck, modified double-stack magazine holds 10 rounds in both the flush-fit and extended versions, plus one in the chamber, for a full capacity of 11 rounds – nearly a 50 percent capacity increase over pistols in its class. An optional 12-round extended magazine equips this micro-compact pistol with full-size 13-round capacity, allowing you to carry more, everyday – 365 days a year. The P365 is also smaller and lighter than most other pistols in its class, measuring 1-inch wide, 5.8-inches long, and 4.3-inches tall with a barrel length of 3.1-inches. It weighs just 17.8 ounces with an empty magazine.

The unique grip design and higher grip to bore axis reduces perceived recoil and makes the P365 as comfortable to shoot as many mid-sized pistols. The grip is fully-textured polymer with a slim-line rail that will accommodate SIG light or laser accessories. The stainless-steel slide comes standard with front and rear serrations for easier slide manipulation, as well as SIGLITE® night sights for faster sight acquisition under all lighting conditions.

“As a company, we are relentless in our quest to be better – to constantly improve upon our existing products and to design and build superior products than those currently on the market,” said Ron Cohen, CEO and President of SIG SAUER. “The P365 is a result of this push. We built this pistol around our new, proprietary magazine for maximum concealability, capacity and shootability. The P365 is a pistol for professionals and civilians alike who want a smaller, high-performance pistol that does it all. This is the ultimate, everyday concealed carry pistol.”

Disassembly is safe and easy with a three-point takedown that does not require the trigger to be pulled. A generous trigger guard undercut also allows for a higher hand position and better retention. The narrowing magazine design allows the upper part of the grip to be perfectly contoured to fit the shooter’s thumb when fired.

In continued partnership with Blackpoint Tactical, one of the nation’s premier holster manufacturers, SIG SAUER is offering a series of concealment holsters specifically designed for the P365. Immediately available for order are the Blackpoint APX and IWB holster variants.

As a complete systems provider, SIG SAUER will be launching several new products specifically designed to complement the P365. Products will include ammunition optimized for everyday carry, a high-performance weapon light, a laser sight, a P365 compatible suppressor and a P365 air pistol. Announcements and press releases will be forthcoming on each of these exciting and new P365 products.

MSRP:

P365 $599.00

12-Round Extended Magazine $55.00

10-Round Flush Mag / 10-Round Base-Extension $49.00

365 APX Holster $79.95

365 IWB Holster $79.95

Follow SIG SAUER on social media, including Facebook at www.facebook.com/sigsauerinc, Instagram at www.instagram.com/sigsauerinc, and YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/user/sigsauerinc.

About SIG SAUER, Inc.

SIG SAUER, Inc. is The Complete Systems Provider™, leading the industry in American innovation, ingenuity, and manufacturing. SIG SAUER® brings a dedication to superior quality, ultimate reliability, and unmatched performance that has made it the brand of choice among responsible citizens, and many of the world’s most elite military, government, and law enforcement units. SIG SAUER offers a full array of products to meet any mission parameter, from handguns and rifles to ammunition, electro-optics, suppressors, ASP (Advanced Sport Pellet) airguns and accessories. The largest member of a worldwide business group of firearms manufacturers that includes SIG SAUER GmbH & Co. KG in Germany and Swiss Arms AG in Switzerland, SIG SAUER is an ISO 9001: 2008 certified company with more than 1,700 employees. For more information on SIG SAUER, any of its products, or the SIG SAUER AcademySM, log on to www.sigsauer.com.

Two Grunts Shoot: The USMC Combat Pistol Program

By

Keith Finch

-

January 8, 2018

Editors Note: This article was a collaborative effort between Travis and Myself, as two Marines now onto other things we still like to keep up with what our beloved Corps is doing, especially as it concerns its armament.

The New USMC Pistol Qualification: The Combat Pistol Program

For over 30 years the Marine Corps fields a pistol qualification and training program known as the Entry Level Pistol Program. It came to be in the 1980s around the same time the M9 was adopted as the new service pistol. The ELP was a standardized marksmanship test with limited tactical application. Pistols are a limited application weapon in the USMC and sadly there wasn’t much focus on handgun training for most Marines. The ELP was long due for a replacement and in 2013 it was officially replaced by the Combat Pistol Program. The CPP has attempted to modernize handgun use and place an emphasis on the tactical use of a handgun.

Keith and I both fired the new CPP qualification and wanted to discuss it here. Firing these qualifications are a great way to gauge your personal skills against an objective metric. They can help sharpen your existing skills or even teach (and expose you to) you new skills entirely. This qualification could easily be adopted for concealed carriers and police use too.

Qualifications are something different you can add to your training to have fun and add some variety to a standard range trip.

Before we dive into the CPP you should take a peek back at the ELP qualification so you can see what changed from the last established standard.

25 yds – 15 rds slow fire in single or double action. Must finish in 10 minutes.
7 yds – Quick reaction drills – 1 shot in 3 seconds, pistol is in low ready. Repeat 5x. All shots are double action.
7 yds – quick reaction drills – 2 shots in 5 seconds, pistol is in low ready. Repeat 4x
15 yds – magazine change/sustained fire (3 shots from first mag, 3 shots from second mag, all in 20 seconds) Repeat 2x.

The Combat Pistol Program implements multiple reloads, consistent shooting from the holster, failure drills, and multiple distances. The Marine Corps replaced the NRA bullseye target with a more modern silhouette. The new target and the new qualification emphasizes proper shot placement on a human target.

Here is the New CPP Qual

And here is our new shot placement specific target.

This picture is slightly deceptive in terms of what a shooter sees when the target is downrange. The target’s scoring sections are divided by subtle lines. These lines are basically invisible at the distances the shooter engages it. The target trains you to instinctively shoot at important vital areas without needing visible scoring areas which distract from the goal of threat engagement.

Scoring is pretty self-explanatory using the picture above.

Expert – 364-400

Sharpshooter – 324-363

Marksman – 264 – 323

Anything less than that is considered unqualified.

What’s needed to shoot the Qualifier?

The CPP requires very little special equipment to shoot. All you need is the following.

Handgun
Holster
Two Magazines
40 Rounds
USMC Target
Magazine Pouch

I shot the qual with a Glock 17, a Wilder Tactical Mag pouch, and my Alien Gear Shapeshift Drop leg rig. I used the Drop Leg rig because that’s the closest I have to the current issued Blackhawk Serpa holster. I ordered a dozen of the Marine Corps targets, which you can find online. Unfortunately I am not sure when they are going to be delivered. I simply replaced it with a standard man sized target with the lungs, heart, and brain displayed to exercise proper shot placement.

Shooting the Qual

I went into this qual raw. No dry fire practice, no pre qual shoot, and I read the qual as I fired it. I used an app based IPSC timer on my phone to comply with the provided times. I didn’t score for the following reasons.

I don’t have the target to do so accurately.
I’m using a App based timer which is not always reliable.

I will say I found this qual easy. It’s more challenging than the old course, but not difficult for an experienced shooter. The timer adds a little stress, but I still feel like I have more than enough time to make the shots. The ranges won’t stress experienced shooters much. Even without the proper target I was able to group my shots in the heart and the edges of the lungs, and had zero issues with headshots. I have no doubt I would have qualified.

At 25 yards you still have plenty of time to take a shot, but I did find the most challenge here. The reload drills offer you plenty of time. Speaking of reloads I really like that there is a reload built into 1st drill at the 15 yard line. It’s implemented naturally into the controlled pair drills. It makes the shooter stop and think.

Simple reload drills prepare shooters to do reloads. There is no surprise when they come. A drill like this makes them stop, think, and reload. It begins to build the habit of naturally flowing to the reload outside of reload drills. If the qual was longer I would have liked to see more of these reloads implemented.

The use of controlled pairs and failure to stop drills are combat shooting fundamentals. It teaches shooters to control their fire, fire secondary shots, and transition to different areas on the target. I would like to see a controlled pair followed by another controlled pair. The reason being is sometimes it takes more than two shots and you may not be able to transition to a head shot. You don’t want to be so focused on shooting targets twice it becomes a training scar where you only fire twice in a defensive situation. This may be impossible due to the limitations of a qualification exercise.

From the thigh rig, consistent with current issued holsters

I am glad they kept a somewhat longer distance portion included in this qual. A lot of focus on handgun training these days seems to be done at the 5 to 10 yard line. This may work for a concealed carrier but Marines need the ability to reach out a little further than that. Shooters shouldn’t confine themselves to artificially reduced distances thinking longer shots will never be necessary.

My final complaint is there is no implementation of the rifle. The pistol is a secondary weapon for most Marines. A portion of the qualification dedicated to transitioning from rifle to pistol would be valuable for Marine’s real world situations.

The Combat Pistol Program qualification is not designed to be difficult. Marines still don’t have a lot of time with their pistols. Most Marines aren’t coming to the Corps with a background in IPSC. It’s a weapon that’s rarely used and nowhere near as important as the rifle for Marines. This qual establishes a baseline for proficiency. It’s really hard to justify taking time away from training with long guns to make Marines John Wick with a handgun.

It does give Marines more realistic training and teaches them skills they can practice outside of the CPP in unit training. This is an excellent step forward and hopefully the Marine Corps continues to update their training as time progresses.

The Marine Corps offers several rifle tables, and the addition of a second pistol table could implement a number of improvements. The following are some things I’d like to see if a Table 2 was ever added.

Adding multiple positions and shooting around/over barricades.
One Handed/ Weak Hand Shooting
Multiple Target engagement.
Rifle to Pistol transitions

Overall, it’s a good step forward. Hopefully it doesn’t take 30 more years to update their practices. You can read about the full Combat Pistol Program here.

So there are my thoughts, Keith?

Meopta Introduces the MeoMag 3x Magnifier for Red Dot Sights

By

Keith Finch

-

January 8, 2018

TAMPA, FL, January 8, 2018 – Meopta is pleased to introduce the new MeoMag 3x magnifier. Designed for use with red dot sights, it can also be used as a monocular. This new generation Meopta magnifier features supreme optical performance, dioptric correction and can be used with any red dot sight on the market today. An added benefit of the MeoMag is its ergonomic body shape which fits comfortably into the user’s palm when used as a monocular.

“The MeoMag 3x is ideal for use with our MeoRed T, MeoRed T-mini, MeoSight III, M-RAD and all other red dot sights on the market today,” said Reinhard Seipp, general manager of Meopta USA. “When extra magnification is required for longer shots, the MeoMag 3x can be swiftly attached with the quick release mount and removed when additional magnification is no longer needed. A hinge mount is also available that allows the user to quickly flip the magnifier to either the right or left and out of the line of sight at a moment’s notice.”

Meopta’s proprietary MeoBright™ lens multi-coatings eliminate glare and reflections while the hydrophobic MeoDrop™ lens coatings ensure the highest level of visual clarity in adverse weather conditions, easily repelling rain and snow in addition to skin oils and dirt. The MeoMag 3x is also waterproof, shockproof and fogproof and comes with Fast Opening Lens Covers (FOLC).

$999.99

Optional Accessories:

Fixed Mount
Quick Release Mount
Hinge Mount (moves to left and right)
Nylon Tactical Pouch
Hard Case

Specifications:

Meopta MeoMag 3x
Magnification	3x
Objective Diameter (mm)	20
Exit Pupil Diameter (mm)	6.5
Eye Relief (mm)	60
Resolution (“ or SOA)	≤12
Field of View (°)	7
Dioptric Correction	-4/+3
Integral Transmission Daylight (%)	86
Integral Transmission Twilight (%)	83
Recoil Resistance (g)	500
Operational Temperature Range (°F)	-40 +140
Waterproof (m/hours)	2/2
Max. Length	4.65 in / 118 mm
Max. Height	1.85 in / 47 mm
Max. Width	1.93 in / 49 mm
Weight (oz)	7.48

About Meopta

The Meopta Group is a U.S. family-owned, multinational company with facilities in the United States and Europe. Founded in 1933 in Czechoslovakia (now the Czech Republic), Meopta is a leading manufacturing partner to many of the world’s finest optical brands. Meopta conceives, develops and manufactures precision optical and electro/optical systems for semiconductor, medical, aerospace and military industries as well as for consumer markets.

For more information regarding Meopta, please visit www.meoptausa.com

Sunday Sermon: Bring a Gun. Bring Two Guns. Bring All Your Friends Who Have Guns

By

Keith Finch

-

January 7, 2018

How do you think about self defense?

Do you carry a sidearm and just content yourself that should the vague ‘something’ occur you and you alone will respond, gain fire superiority, and vanquish your foes by fire and fury? The thought that upon your timely and perfectly executed engagement the enemy will flee or fall is a wonderful fantasy.

Fantasy.

Reality will require a much more active approach with a complex set of unknown variables. ‘Something’ is an enormously complex variable. To simplify that variable and stack odds in your favor consider the following.

Bring a Gun.

Duh, you say, but seriously carry a gun every moment you can. Make it as much a habit as grabbing your phone, keys, wallet, etc. If you’re in poor practice at grabbing those be best at bringing your gun.

Bring Two Guns.

If your first gun does not work you have a second. If one was left in the car the other is still on your person. If you need to arm somebody and double your coverage you can. Two is one, one is none. There are a number of advantages to carrying double and the disadvantages are limited, mostly paralleling the excuses for not carrying even one gun in the first place.

Bring All Your Friends Who Have Guns.

Tongue in cheek aside if you routinely travel with other people you are less likely to be a target for violence to begin with. If the people you travel with are also armed, practiced, and even moderately proficient at the basics of gunfighting (like drawing and actually hitting the threat while not hitting non threats) a group has greater advantages than even a well practiced individual in the event of violence.

Think ahead, keep up proficiency, and foster good habits.

#ProfessionallyViolent

Review: Streamlight’s PROTAC RAIL MOUNT HL-X LONG GUN LIGHT

By

Keith Finch

-

January 6, 2018

Choosing a weapon mounted light is one of the more difficult accessory decisions, second perhaps only to an optic on long guns. There are a myriad of options that span a wide price range from well under $100 to several hundred.

Streamlight reached out to me a few months back to evaluate some of their newest products. The one SL was most enthusiastic to put in my hands was their Protac Rail Mount HL-X

The HL-X is their new 1,000 Lumen programmable model and the rail mount version is, as the name implies, picatinny rail mounted. Configurable with either a standard momentary clickable on/off tail cap or a two button remote switch (included) the HL-X is equipped to go on a rifle in either configuration immediately.

A real quick run down on the light. The HL-X has a 6000 series anodized aluminum body, a single picatinny rail clamp, a crenelated reflector housing and lens rated for “impact”, C4 LED, high/low/strobe function that is programmable, and IPX7/4 rating (tail cap dependent) for water and debris resistance.

It’s the usual advertising sheet of shiny number laden factoids but it boils down to couple salient points.

The HL-X has an aluminum body and mount.

The HL-X has two operation configurations, tail cap and remote switch.

The HL-X has a 3 mode program selection.

The HL-X holds a water resistance rating, it is sealed.

Let’s define this last point first. The IPX7/4 rating depends on whether the tail cap or remote switch are installed. With the tale cap the HL-X is IPX7 rated, it can be submersed in water up to 1 meter deep (for water pressure) for 30 minutes. With the remote switch equipped the rating drops to IPX4 “a splash of water from any direction for at least 5 minutes”, while the light (specifically the switch) is no longer submersible it can still handle getting wet. Rain shouldn’t bother it and if anything the tail switch will be the effected compontent.

It’s 9 degrees outside so testing it in the rain has been… seasonally problematic.

I equipped my LWRC PSD with the HL-X in tail cap configuration. The 5.43″ length and 1.72″ height made this less than ideal on an short barreled AR. Changing to the remote tape switch was far more usable and added a greater degree of ambidexterity. I don’t plan on swimming with the light so using the tap switch doesn’t bother me from a durability perspective. Of note is the Mil-STD 1913 Picatinny mounting hardware included for the tape switch, rubber end pieces that slide onto and hold the switch to the rail, another out of the box usability factor I’m happy to see Streamlight add. While possible, I didn’t experience the switch becoming dislodged from the mount during use and hardware is provided to prevent that. The more of that you use the slower it is to move the light around though.

The HL-X’s programmable feature is not only appreciated, its necessary.

I’m not certain who in the flashlight community decided everything needed a Morse Code series of taps that unlocks and activates a rave mode.

The factory configuration of High-RaveStrobe-Low has no tactical application. In all my military and extracurricular tactical shooting training strobe was not used, none of my issued illumination equipment had strobe. Strobe does as much to confuse your vision as it does the potential threat and it is a non-intuitive series of control commands on most lights to activate the strobe and keep it going.

But with the TEN-TAP program you can switch it to the high only, or low/high modes. I use high only since the HL-X does not serve as a long duration search light, I have a handheld for that. Use of the tape switch gives a tactile difference between the momentary switch and the click on constant on. Press the long switch for on and release for off or click the button to turn the light on until you click it again and turn it off. If you’re using the light in a constant on search mode you can set it into the third mode low/high so low comes on first and this greatly increases battery life.

TEN-TAP is simple, you press the on switch 9 times quickly (less than .4 seconds between taps) and hold on the 10th. The HL-X will turn off after about a second. It has now switched to the next mode.

On my PSD the HL-X performed it’s functions to my satisfaction. During these months of use, live fire testing near the muzzle and piston, it has not dimmed or wavered, the beam has been constant, the batteries did not come off the contacts during recoil causing any flickering or failure, and the light did not malfunction in programming and switch to any other programmed mode.

The only issue (you can see above) is the HL-X took up the majority of the side it was mounted on making in use ambidexterity an issue. There are quick quality fixes like this offset mount from HSP but I did not avail myself of one. I returned my smaller Inforce WML to the PSD and challenged the HL-X on a new rifle.

While i didn’t experience issues with the cord near the gas block (seen here) I have flipped the switch around to be sure since.

On the FN SCAR17s I used a Magpul M-LOK offset mount and had a great deal more room to work with. On the conventionally sized rifle the HL-X could be mounted and used in a fully ambidextrous position easily.

Recoil resistance of the HL-X on the SCAR17s continued. No stoppages of the light during recoil, something I had experienced on the Type 1 RMR on my Trijicon ECOS, if any rifle would cause issues the 17 would.

The HL-X’s 1,000 lumen brightness is impressive. It can even be over bright depending on your other equipment and setting. Testing the light with five different optical set ups the HL-X can overwhelm and wash out “auto-brightness” optics like certain RMR’s or the Meprolight M21 in an indoor dark environment. Manual optics like the Trijicon MRO can be set to a brightness that does not washout but they tend to be so bright they’re “bleeding” without the light. The best optic was the ACOG with it’s solid etched reticle experienced no washout and contrasted nicely.

None of these washout issues were prevalent outside unless illuminating a close wall or object with an optic set to match the darkness. Even then it was less severe than indoors. This is not an issue with the HL-X, it happens with any bright light.

There is no doubt the HL-X lights up a room. It will remain on my SCAR for the foreseeable future.

A demonstration of “washout” with the auto brightness sensor on my camera.

Does the HL-X get my recommendation? Yes.

For just over $100 the HL-X has stood up and delivered. It’s greatest physical limitation is the IPX rating that places it in the capable outdoor light category, which will only matter if you need to swim with your rifle. Even if your gun goes for a brief dive without you the light itself should be fine, the remote switch may give up the ghost but that’s an easily replaced item. Also consider your available mounting space and how you intended to mount the HL-X, it does not have the smallest of footprints (compared to some OIF/OEF deployed lights though its downright microscopic).

Streamlight places a limited lifetime warranty on the Protac HL-X for any other issues you may run across.

Streamlight will be out at booth #12562 in Las Vegas for SHOT Show and I hope to swing by. They’ll have the HL-X, TLR-6, and much more on display and the visit should be quite illuminating. Pun always intended.

Things You Hear in a Gun Store…

By

Keith Finch

-

January 5, 2018

gunshopgary — "Gun Shop Gary" a Meme for us all

Things You Hear in a Gun Store is brought to you buy the random things I overhear in gun stores.

*Looking at a selection of 9mm’s

“…Now which one would you recommend for a Sasquatch.”

Air Venturi to Release World’s First Frangible BB Ammo

By

Keith Finch

-

January 5, 2018

CLEVELAND, OHIO (January 4, 2018) Air Venturi, the leading manufacturer and importer of airgun, airsoft, and ammunition brands, is proud to announce the release of the revolutionary Dust Devil BBs, the world’s first frangible .177 caliber BB. Dust Devils are 10% faster than traditional steel BBs and shatter on impact with hardened targets for reducing ricochets and providing an overall safer shooting experience.

“Made right here in the USA, this new patent pending ammo is designed for dynamic shooting sessions where shooters don’t have to worry about ricochet,” says Paul Milkovich, Air Venturi’s Director of Business Development. “While frangible ammo has been popular with firearm shooters for decades, Air Venturi is the first company to produce a BB that leaves ricochets in the dust. Dust Devils are BBs perfected and we’re sure backyard plinkers and indoor shooters will take notice.”

Dust Devil BBs disintegrate into tiny fragments that safely crumble and fall, instead of sending rounds bouncing back at the shooter. Its proprietary blend of special alloys create a round that shoots 10% faster and is completely lead-free. Adding to Air Venturi’s wide assortment of air guns, airsoft guns and ammunition, Dust Devil BBs will be available beginning in March 2018.

For additional information on the new Air Venturi frangible ammo, contact Air Venturi Marketing Manager, Kristen Coss by email: kristen.coss@airventuri.com, or phone: 216-292-2570 ext. 253.

For up-to-date news and information from Air Venturi, sign up for email updates by emailing dealers@airventuri.com and letting them know you would like to receive exclusive, members only information.

About Air Venturi

Air Venturi is manufacturer and exclusive importer for international airgun, ammo and accessory manufacturers such as: Air Arms, Ataman, Beeman, Haendler & Natermann, Hellraiser, Kral Arms, Mantis, Seneca, TSD and Western Justice. We also carry a full line of airgun products from leading manufacturers including: AirForce, Anschutz, Benjamin, Beretta, Browning, BSA, Colt, Crosman, Diana, Daisy, Evanix, Feinwerkbau, Gamo, Hawke Optics, Smith & Wesson, Tanfoglio, Umarex, Walther, Webley, Weihrauch, Winchester and many more.